Blue Mountains City Council has resolved to issue an Interim Heritage Order for The Clarendon Guesthouse and Theatre in Katoomba, following concerns about unauthorised works.
An Interim Heritage Order is a temporary measure that prohibits demolition of a building or structure, to enable a detailed heritage assessment to be made as to whether or not the building or place should be listed under a local environmental plan.
Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: "The Clarendon is not currently included as a local heritage item under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan or listed within a Heritage Conservation Area.
"The lack of current heritage protection over The Clarendon site presents substantial risk for the building and its potential heritage significance, particularly given that the site has been the subject of recent unauthorised works.
"Council has a responsibility to protect local buildings that have heritage significance - it's that history that makes the Blue Mountains so special."
Council, exercising its compliance functions, is separately addressing the issue of unauthorised works through appropriate legislative mechanisms, and SafeWork NSW has attended the site to address asbestos management over the site which was identified by
Council.
Following the resolution at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 30 July 2024, Council notified the State Government about the Interim Heritage Order for inclusion in the Government Gazette. Notifications will also occur in local media, as well as to the property owner.
Once granted, the Interim Heritage Order would protect the building for up to 12 months which will enable detailed heritage assessments to be undertaken.
Photo: A photo of The Clarendon from 1946.
